When Kodak
first introduced the EOS-EF-mount DCS-520 which used the top of the line EOS-1n
as its core model, many thought the years-long Kodak/Nikon relationship has turned
sour, especially during the period, Kodak only has used the 'lower-ranked" APS-Nikon
body to come out with a DCS-315 & a marginally improved DCS-330
that followed later (however, the semi-pro-spec body N90s/F90x during the time, was
still holds the honor as being the highest resolution digital SLR). But eventually,
in order to satisfy and offset the discomfort of the dedicated Nikon F-mount Kodak
DCS users, the Company eventually introduced a Digital Film Back in September, 1999
where Nikon's flagship model, Nikon F5 was used. This new combination of a revised
film back built by Kodak on the Nikon F5 camera body restored earlier Kodak/Nikon
partnership. However, despite having a year late in its debut than the EOS-based
system, the Kodak DCS-620 didn't seemed to be enjoying a lot of benefit over the
comparing Canon D2000/ Kodak DCS-520, except that most of the operational features
and functions were now based on the Nikon F5 rather than Nikon N90s/F90x. The DCS-620
offers a similar 2 Megapixel CCD sensor as used in Canon/Kodak's D2000/DCS-520, it
came with a continuous shooting rate of 3.5 fps for up to 12 shots before pausing
to write to memory (almost Identical to the Canon/Kodak EOS D2000/DCS-520,and it
has virtually the same components, function, and form (the Digital Film Back section).
However, the camera has a built-in, removable Lithium Niobate anti-aliasing filter
with infrared reduction coating. Focal length multiplication for the camera is approx.
1.6X. It accepts wide range of storage media such as PCMCIA Type II/III, CompactFlash
Type I/II, IBM MicroDrive and even the Sony memory stick (with adapter). In short,
it was just like a Canon's EOS EF-mount DCS-520 except it takes Nikkor lenses and
features on the basic Nikon camera body that varies from the Canon. However, these
comparisons of the Nikon DCS-620 with the Canon/Kodak DCS-520 may not be too appropriate
as Kodak has already revised the DCS-520 with a 6 megapixels Kodak DCS-560 in late
1998 which enabled Canon has the best digital SLR at the time of its introduction.

NOTE: -See Instruction Manuals for respective
Models at the bottom of this page.

While at the
same time, Kodak announced an variant of the DCS-620 model as Kodak Professional DCS-620x (May, 1999). Like the DCS 620 camera, the DCS 620x
is built on the Nikon F5 platform and retains all the durability, functionality and
lens compatibility of that single-lens-reflex camera. The camera features
ISO settings ranging from 400 to 6400. Key to the DCS 620x digital camera was a revised
designed 2-megapixel (1736 x 1160) 13um, ITO, CCD (charge couple device) sensor,
color filter array (CFA) pattern, and low-noise electronics. The new CFA on Kodak’s
2-megapixel ITO (indium tin oxide) CCD basically enhanced spectral response, producing
high picture quality at high ISO ranges. In addition, a serial port is added for
GPS receivers and direct cellular telephone connectivity, burst rate of 3.5 frames
per second, and a sustained burst depth of 12 images. Further, on top of a new software
noise reduction filter, the DCS 620x offers Kodak’s "Picture Protection"
– a range of features that includes post-shot exposure compensation,

Other features include, photographers
can customize the DCS 620x with such options as removable anti-aliasing and IR blocking
filters, IPTC captioning, white balance uploading, direct cellular phone transmission,
and a wide choice of storage options. The camera has a retailed price of USD$10,495
at the time of its introduction.

Probably many
Nikon digital faithful who may have bought the DCS-620 earlier also might feel rotten
over all these developments, because barely within a year in September, 1999, Kodak
introduced another revised followed-up of the 620 called Kodak Professional DCS-660 Digital Still SLR
camera to enable Nikon has similar "high-end" spec digital imaging
tool as the Canon. It comes with 2 models: DCS-660 & DCS-660M. Both models employ a 6 million pixel
(3040 x 2008 pixels) Indium Tin Oxide CCD imager (2:3 aspect ratio) operating
at 80 - 200 ISO while the DCS 660M shares a high image capacity of 6 million pixel
imager (2:3 aspect ratio) but operating at a higher 320 - 880 ISO ratings.

Other features include, photographers
can customize the DCS 620x with such options as removable anti-aliasing and IR blocking
filters, IPTC captioning, white balance uploading, direct cellular phone transmission,
and a wide choice of storage options. The camera has a retailed price of USD$10,495
at the time of its introduction.

Sections
outlined below may let you evaluate the main features shared among all the models
within the DCS-600 Series:

In Programmed Auto or Aperture-Priority
Auto, shutter operates from 1/250 to 1/60 second in normal sync, 1/250 to 30 seconds
in slow sync; in Shutter-Priority Auto or Manual exposure mode, shutter operates
at speed set, or at 1/250 if speed is set between 1/250 and 1/8800 seconds 1/300
TTL High-Speed Sync can be selected using Custom Setting #20 in Shutter-Priority
Auto or Manual exposure mode.

Flash recommended /ready-light

Speedlight attached: Lights up
in red when Nikon dedicated Speedlight is ready to fire, or blinks to warn of insufficient
light for correct exposure

External Battery Charger

Charges one or two batteries

Power source

Single, rechargeable nickel cadmium
or NIMH battery

Battery power confirmation

On Back Status LCD panel

Kodak-specified AC Adapter

An alternative power source that
allows you to conserve your battery while working indoors

Dimensions

Width: 158 mm, Height: 194 mm,
Depth: 88 mm

Weight

1.86 KG. This is the weight of
a camera containing a battery and PC Card with no lens attached.

NOTE: With built-in CPU lens
in Aperture-Priority Auto or Manual exposure mode, lens is not set to the smallest
aperture setting. Set the lens to the smallest aperture with the Sub-Command Dial.
Aperture can also be set by rotating the lens aperture ring. In this case, F--
remains in the viewfinder and top LCD panel, and aperture can only be confirmed
through the aperture direct-readout in the viewfinder. Non-CPU lens is attached.
Programmed Auto or Shutter-Priority Auto exposure mode cannot be selected. Set aperture
by rotating lens aperture ring. In this case, aperture can only be confirmed through
the aperture direct-readout in viewfinder.

Compatible
Lenses: Your camera
works with the following NIKKOR lenses. Some work with the camera’s antialiasing
or IR filter in place, some work without it, and some work in either situation. You
cannot use non-AI or modified AI lenses with your camera. Virtually ALL AF Nikkor
prime and zoom lenses can use with our without the antialiasing or IR filter. The
lenses with "*"
CANNOT works with Antialiasing
or IR Filter.